This week is National Volunteer Week. National Volunteer Week is a time to celebrate people doing extraordinary things through service. Free Arts Minnesota wants to thank ALL of our volunteers- 135 weekly mentors and 100’s more for special events- who dedicate themselves to taking action through the healing powers of artistic expression. Our communities’ children are hugged by the faithful arms of you, the volunteer.
Thank You is not big enough to describe how we feel about all of our volunteers. We know volunteers don’t get paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless. As far as Free Arts Minnesota is concerned, all of our volunteers are love in motion and deserve to know that we thank you daily for providing a safe, fun environment for our communities’ children to grow and heal.
We want to thank you in person on May 21st!
Volunteer Appreciation Event hosted by the Mentor to Mentor Committee! Come and listen to live music, while enjoying a cold beverage on the rooftop of our building! Other fun things will be happening, but you will have to come to find out!
When: May 21st, 2011
Time: 4:00-6:00pm
Where: Free Arts Office- The Wyman Building 400 1st Ave N, MPLS, MN 55401 on the rooftop!
Why: To say Thanks! Space is limited for this event, so please RSVP to Esther as soon as possible to ensure your spot for this event.
BIg Thanks!
We owe a big thanks to Yen-Ying Chee a local jewelry and interior designer who has dedicated her life to the arts. Her business is dedicated to giving back to the local community by partnering with a chosen charitable organization that touches her personally- and she chose Free Arts Minnesota! Yen has been inspired to design a new necklace called the Hope Necklace that the proceeds are going directly to Free Arts to help us reach even more children.
Mentor TIPs
As our Weekly Mentorship Program is ending in little over a month, it is important to start thinking about how you want to close the relationship with the youth you see each week. Having closure to a relationship is an important step for both mentors and children.
Three Steps for Healthy Closure:
1.) Be Open. With the final week of mentorship drawing near, we want the kids and everyone involved to feel prepared to say goodbye. It is best not to let the last day sneak up on the group, so talk about it! Remind the kids that you have only “2 more days” or “3 more sessions” together.
2.) Be Real. Do not make promises you cannot keep.Children need to understand that they may not see you again but that they can always keep the memory of your time together (and their art projects) in their heart and you will do the same.
3.) Reflect and Celebrate! Celebrate the joys and successes of your time together!Allow time for each participant to think about and share their favorite memories.
Throw a dance party, go outside (with permission!), have some fun snacks (check for allergies!), put up a special gallery display, make art for each other, hand out keepsakes, awards...so many ways to celebrate.
Let the kids know that you have enjoyed building friendships with them and that all of your memories will live on.
